Help

[Shelagh Mason]

I just downloaded Pidgin so as to converse with family
But when I click on buddies the only things that are useable are;
View log
Sort
Buddies list
 It won't let me add anyone or look for anyone.
I also don't seem to stay on line 

mason.shelagh at hotmail.com
or 
shelagh.mason at yahoo.com

 When I enable ,my e-mail stays black (no colour)and the tick goes away,
Please tell me what to do. Thank you Shelagh Mason
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